Consultation meet on Right to People's Food Security held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 03 2013: A one-day State level consultation on "Right to Peoples' Food Security in Manipur", organised by Human Rights Initiative, Manipur in collaboration with IPAP was held today at Manipur Press Club with Manipur Cultural Integration Conference president Aribam Brajakumar Sharma and HRI director Dr RK Ranjan Singh attending the programme as the moderator and functional president respectively.

Speaking on 'PDS System in Manipur' advocate M Paikhomba listing targeted public distribution system, integrated child development scheme (ICDS) and maternity benefits as some important components of the National Food Security Act pointed out that with the PDS mechanism already a failed system in Manipur the people would be disheartened if they expect to benefit from the recently launched Act.

Citing lack of awareness about relevant benefits as one of the factors for many economically deprived families not possessing BPL cards, he also accused the Government on alleged inaction to create awareness.

While ration card distribution process used to be the prerogative of Deputy Commissioners in the past since August 3, 2005 consequent to an order issued by the FCS MLAs have been exercising the right to provide ration cards, highlighted advocate Paikhomba contending that ration card distribution process coming under the ambit of the legislators has been the primary reason for complaints from many deserving families denied their benefits.

He regretted that inspite of seriousness of the issue it has never figured in assembly discussions.

Social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram deliberating on 'National Food Security Act 2013 & Its feature in Manipur' focused on practical contradictions in principle of socialism in India and other socialist countries by highlighting that in the indian context distribution inequality is the dominant feature whereas equal right is guaranteed to every citizens in a socialist country.

Apparently hinting that implementation of the Act would not be effective, he wondered whether the Act's provision for a kilogram of rice at Rs 3 would still be practicable under the present PDS mechanism in case there is drought, flooding or other natural calamities.

With over 2.75 people either dying of hunger/malnutrition or committing suicide due to financial constraints it would be premature to conclude that the Act would benefit cross section of the society, he maintained.

Earlier, delivering the key-note address, HRI executive director Wahengbam Joykumar emphasised on extensive awareness campaign on the National Food Security Act so that past instances of denying the people their rights do not recur in Manipur.

Pointing out that priority should be on streamlining the PDS mechanism for ensuring judicious and effective implementation of the Act, he maintained that Government of India's latest project will only bear fruit when food grain distribution discrimination could be weeded out.

Moreover there is need for preserving agricultural land in Manipur as the Act's objective for food grain provision to all its citizens at highly subsidised rate would be possible only when there is enough land for food grain production using modern agricultural technology, Joykumar pointed out.

Referring to controversies related to unpaid wages to those engaged in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi national Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Manipur as a reminder for the masses to remain vigilant, he also suggested that grievance cells be opened at both the State and district level to ensure judicious and effective implementation of the Food Security Act.

The afternoon session featured UCM president Y Nabachandra elaborating on 'Responsibility of the citizens in the implementation of food schemes' .

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